New man to lead Lancashire wildlife crime fight
A NEW officer has been appointed to lead probes into wildlife crime across Lancashire.
Mark Thomas will now oversee wildlife issues for Lancashire Constabulary and will be based at the force’s headquarters in Hutton near Preston.
Mark, 37, has worked with the force for 10 years, having moved to his new position from a civilian role in the counter terrorism unit.
He said: “I come from a rural background of farming and game keeping so wildlife issues have always been close to my heart.
“I know that my new role will be quite a demanding challenge, but I think that it will be a very rewarding one.
“I am looking forward to working with fellow officers and the community to help fight wildlife crime in Lancashire.”
Mark takes over from PC Duncan Thomas who will now work as a response officer in Longridge.
However, he will continue to advise on wildlife issues in the Bowland area.
PC Thomas said: “I would like to thank all the farmers, game keepers, wildlife wardens and residents who have given me phenomenal help with preventing and investigating wildlife crime.
“Their ongoing support will enable Lancashire Constabulary to continue bringing offenders to justice.”
Issues investigated by the wildlife officer include poaching, badger digging, dog fighting, and the maintenance of sensitive animal and bird breeding projects.
The move to civilianise the wildlife officer’s post was taken as part of Lancashire Constabulary’s current review of its services.
The image below is taken from the RSPB newsletter Legal Eagle No 47 January 2006 all about PC Duncan Thomas.
Are Mark Thomas and Duncan Thomas related? Not impressed with Mark’s gamekeeping background. This wildlife officer job sounds like a farce since it is generally accepted that gamekeepers do a lot of damage to wildlife. Oh woe, disappointed again.